Comments: 1-15, 16
I didn't notice it until I drove the truck for a few days and then I realized something was wrong. Every time I come to a complete stop a light the transmission will jerk, sometimes violently. I took it to the dealer to get the truck looked at and they claim that it is totally normal. I was in total shock! I paid $27,000 for this truck, and all that they call tell me is that the problem is normal and that it has been happening to Toyota trucks since 1989? I cannot believe the problem with the transmissions has been going on unchanged! Another thing that I noticed is that after I've been running around town. The truck doesn't like to start on the first try. Sometimes it takes at least 3 tries to get a brand knew truck started? All this does not make any sense and I can't wait to sell this thing!
This truck looks great, but it runs and operates horribly.
Did you even bother to check with another service department? I have own a 2002 model and this is the best truck I have purchased! I also purchased a 1998 PreRunner when they first came out.
I have NEVER experienced the issue which you describe. I suggest you take your vehicle to another dealer.
I have to say - I think your review is way to short. You have not covered the vehicle and your problem is something which has NOT plagued Toyota trucks... I speak from experience.
I have a 2000 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and I am experiencing the same "jerking" when accelerating after a stop. I've talked to two Toyota service departments and they've told me this is normal as well. While it is definitely an annoyance, I still love the truck. I wonder how common this occurrance is with the vehicles... I would like to see the commonality of this problem.
I don't think that the 'jerking' is a problem. It is just something that they do. If it is really violent, go ahead and check with different dealers, not just where you bought it. I would recommend either somehow getting yours fixed, or trading it in for another. They really are a reliable truck which is more than I can say for any other models out there.
I have had a 2000 Toyota Tundra SR5 and I am currently driving a 2001 Toyota Tacoma Standard Cab and both of these trucks have done just as you describe with the transmission, but it is generally only after stopping rather hard. It's almost as if the transmission doesn't have time to shift all the way down to first gear and once you try and accelerate again the transmission clunks into first. I am no mechanic, that is just my observation. I had taken my Tundra into the dealer for the problem and they said it was normal and I haven't even bothered with my Tacoma. I have also had trouble with my Tacoma hesitating to start when hot, but other than that the truck is very reliable and I have had no other problems except for rattles in the interior and the steering wheel lock that the dealer repaired.
Seattle, WA.
This condition has in fact been an issue on Toyota Tacomas, more specifically V-6 models. I had a 2000 that did the same thing, and as previoulsy noted in another reply its only after coming to a complete and harsh stop, then releasing the brake...
I also had a 92 V-6 tacoma that really jerked after coming to a stop then going again.
I talked to t he dealer about it, they said is was torque build up that was being released? I don't know, but it was irratating. I did sell the truck thinking the tranny was going out @ 4,000 miles. Lucky the buyer did not question this issue!
I regret selling it, but know I'm I'm driving a 2003 Tacoma v-6, ext cab, trd 4x4, I have not noticed this problem so far @ 400 miles to date...
Just for all you Truck fans, I drove the Ford Ranger XLT FX2, the Nissian Frontier, and I tell you Toyota Tacoma V-6 Has them beat hand in foot, baby!
Good luck all... Sunny Seattle WA.
I have owned two Pre-Runners (2002 models) and have had the same 'clunking' issue with both. The first one (2002 Limited DC) clunked very badly after a relatively quick stop when brakes were released. Dealer said it was normal so I sold it, and bought a 2002 XC model and it did the same thing after about 500 miles so I sold it also. Very annoying trait. I agree with the other comment that it seems to be just releasing torque after a stop, but this should have been engineered out by Toyota, and I will not buy another one until it is.
Chuck
Birmingham, AL.
My O2 tocoma prerunner does the same thing after slowing and then accelerating. Been to dealer five times, once they greased the driveshaft, didn't help. Once they change the rear leafsprings, didn' help. Now I am starting the 3d party arbitration process to get this taken care of.
I just got a 01 Tacoma Double cab with 52K I have also noticed the jerking when I come to a stop. Also the starter went out the next day; the dealer replaced it for free. I put a 3in suspension lift and 31in tires on it and it looks great. But with these smaller trucks I have noticed if there is the slightest bit of rattle (w/ the lift & tire) the rattle increase. I just don't think that these smaller trucks can handle the big change very well. But I love the truck and 4X4 abilities are just what I need.
Kebo, Montana native.
I purchased a 2002 toyota double cab in august of 2004. it has the same jerk at every stop light or stop sign. but like every other dealer in the united states says, this is normal. it only happens when I stop suddenly. the service personnell recommended driving the truck with the overdrive off if traveling short distances. this did help a little.
The clunking of the transmission was very noticeable for me when I first bought my 2001 double cab Tacoma.
But I've been driving it so long I don't notice it anymore.
Yes it sucked at first, but I got over it.
My problem has been the brakes, notorious for wearing down its pads quickly.
Wow all these reviews sound impressive! No wonder domestic trucks sell so many more than imports year after year...
I own a 2000 tacoma pre-renner v-6 and I am experiencing the jerking also. I had aleviated it for about a month after I grease the zerks in rear drive shaft and you joint but after much use the jerking slowing came back.
I've got an '02 Double Cab with over 200K miles and it does the same thing. I believe it has something to do with the torque build up in the rear brakes and not the trans. Seems the slight "jerk" only happens when I let the brakes off after coming to a quick stop. I'm not too worried about it.
I own a 99 Tacoma XC Prerunner SR5, and I also experience the jerking as described, but only after hard stops.
I bought a 1998 PreRunner (V6 3.4L Auto) about a month ago and have the same problem. I have read on other forums that greasing the "zerks" is supposed to help.